Indigofera australis Seeds | Native Indigo Pseudotinctoria
LATIN NAME: Indigofera australis
COMMON NAME: Native Indigo, Austral Indigo, Indigofera pseudotinctoria
Plant Profile
Native Indigo (Indigofera australis) grows as an upright, spreading, deciduous shrub in the pea family (Fabaceae), native to warm regions of Australia and the east, while it has been cultivated for its flowers. At maturity it stands about Three metres. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the pea family, Indigofera australis is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Native indigo has a real and distinguished place in research. Nothing exotic is required: standard seed-sowing practice, done carefully, is enough.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Native Indigo earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Native indigo is a graceful shrub of open woodlands and grassy slopes of warm regions, bearing spikes of purple-pink flowers through warm season. Its flowers feed bees and butterflies, and its nitrogen-fixing roots enrich poor soil, while its spreading, leafy growth gives a fine cover and a shelter to small creatures. To raise native indigo, sow seeds in pots of moist, open compost in a warm, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little shrubs on in the sun. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
Indigofera gave the world indigo, the blue of blue jeans, produced by fermenting the leaves; several species also serve as protein-rich forage and green manure.
Growing from Seed
Starting Native Indigo from seed is simple and satisfying. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
At around three metres, it stays at a scale that suits modest gardens. The traditional uses covered above are what first made this species worth cultivating. Sun, free drainage and a patient first year are all it really requires.
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